President Duterte and US President-elect Donald Trump finally speak

'Very engaging and animated,' that's how Special Assistant to the President Christopher Bong Go described the conversation between President Rody Duterte and US President-elect Donald Trump when Duterte called Trump earlier this evening to congratulate him over his victory.

Trump won over Hilary Clinton in the recent US Presidential election last November 8, 2016 - an event that many describe as one of the biggest upsets in the American history.

The phone conversation between the two could pave the way to an improved Philippines-US relationship after Duterte decided to cut military ties with the United States after he announced that the Philippines will pursue an independent foreign policy.

Duterte earlier aimed to liberate the Philippines from the influence of the US and put the interest of the Philippines above anyone else.

Duterte softened his stance towards the US after Trump won the election.

“Ayaw kong makipag-away kasi nandyan na si Trump. I would like to congratulate President Trump. Mabuhay ka!” Duterte said in a speech before the Filipino community in Malaysia.